Company commander
among 3 soldiers killed in Basilan clash
MANILA, Dec. 16 (PNA) --- A company commander, with the rank of captain,
was among the three soldiers killed during the operation at Barangay
Macalang, Albarka, Basilan which resulted in the killing of 15 Abu Sayyaf
Group (ASG) bandits and wounding of seven other brigands.

Operations started Monday and is still ongoing as of this posting with
government forces overrunning a major ASG base in the area.

This was confirmed by Major Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command
spokesperson, Wednesday.

However, he did not give the name of the fallen officer and two fatalities
pending notification of their next-of-kin.

Military wounded in the operation was placed at 13.

All government casualties will be given medals and commendations, Tan added.

ASG casualty reports are based on intelligence reports, he stressed.

The Western Mindanao Command spokesperson said focused military operations
would continue with other units relieving exhausted formations.